Library Help for Seniors & Thesis - Library

Seniors & Thesis

The library is here for you as you begin your final year. The resources highlighted on this page are especially useful throughout your thesis journey. All library resources and services are available to current students.

Your subject librarian

If you don't already know your subject librarian, get in touch! Subject librarians can help you navigate databases, cite resources, interpret thesis requirements, and help with copyright.

Find your subject librarian

Extended due dates & book buying

You can check Reed books out until the last day of your graduating semester. Summit and Interlibrary Loan (ILL) books do not have extended due dates.

Need an important book for your thesis, but we don't have it at Reed? The library might be able to buy it and check it out to you. Contact your subject librarian with the title, author, ISBN, and any important details about your request.

Thesis desks

Certain desks in the library are assigned to seniors for your use through the end of the school year (or as long as you remain registered for 470). Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Studio Art majors are assigned other spaces on campus and so are not eligible for thesis desks in the library.

We have a few rules about library thesis desks:

Library materials that are not checked out will be removed.
No plants or flowers (they attract bugs).
Please don't leave dirty dishes or open food or drinks at your desk. You can return commons dishes to the bin in the library lobby.
No electrical appliances or extension cords (per the fire marshal!).
Spring/Fall seniors will need to re-enter the lottery in the fall. Thesis desks do not carry over from spring to fall.

Thesis Desk Lottery Fall 2024

(updated for Fall 2024)

Senior thesis desk lottery numbers will be drawn from the official 470 list. Eligible seniors will get an email to opt-in to the lottery on Tuesday, 9/10. If you are a senior not yet registered for 470, and want to be included in the drawing, please come to the circulation desk and have your name added to the lottery list by Monday, September 16.

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Studio Art, majors are not eligible for thesis desks in the library.

The list of numbers will be posted Tuesday, September 17 along with a map of thesis desk locations, so that you can have preferences in mind before the actual selection. Check out our thesis desk map to review desk locations. Seat maps will also be posted in thesis desk areas.

Desk selection will begin at noon on Wednesday, September 18 in the library lobby. You or your proxy must be present when your name is called. Lottery numbers are not transferable.

PLEASE NOTE: Thesis desks are shared – two students to each side of a desk. In order to create the most pleasant sharing arrangement possible, the person with the better number may bring in as a partner another senior on the list. If you do not have a partner, the seat next to you will be assigned as needed. Please make those arrangements ahead of time and let us know when your name is called.

Everything thesis

The Reed Thesis Hub has everything you need for your thesis, from templates to final deadlines to the submission and approval process.

Your thesis needs to meet certain formatting guidelines to be approved and accepted. Review thesis formatting rules.

Additional resources

Browse Reed theses

Search all previous Reed theses by major, adviser, or title. Some theses are available in Reed Digital Collections; others are only in the Thesis Tower.

Zotero

Zotero is a free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share research. Your subject librarian can help you get started. Trust us, you'll thank your future self.

Using an image, map, or graphic in your thesis? You might need to ask the copyright holder for permission. Get help understanding copyright, fair use, and permissions.

Library research competencies

Review library research competencies for seniors, and reach out to your subject librarian if you have questions.

Go to research competencies